Drivers Warned To Stay Off Roads As Debby Hits VA

VIRGINIA — As Virginia authorities prepare for the arrival of remnants of Tropical Storm Debby, they're also encouraging Virginians to stay off the roads when rainfall is at its heaviest and make safe driving a priority.

Tropical Storm Debby was lingering over coastal Georgia and the Carolinas on Wednesday, dumping torrential rain in places, stirring up tornadoes and submerging streets in waist-high floodwaters.

The latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center says Debby could restrengthen over the Atlantic Ocean before its center moves inland again by late Wednesday or early Thursday. Mid-Atlantic states are likely to feel the effects of Debby on Thursday and Friday.

• RELATED: TS Debby Aims For VA: How To Prepare For Rains, Flooding

According to the National Weather Service, 3 to 7 inches of rain is expected to fall through Friday in Virginia. Local amounts up to 10 inches are possible. The rainfall will likely result in areas of considerable flash and urban flooding, with river flooding possible.

Debby made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast early Monday as a hurricane. At least six people have died.

On Wednesday, Virginia State Police said all available troopers and supervisors were working ahead of the storm and advised residents to postpone travel plans and avoid driving if possible.

If Virginians must travel, state police offered these tips to stay safer on Commonwealth roads:

Use headlights. Virginia law requires the use of headlights when windshield wipers are activated. Increasing your visibility helps you to avoid slick, wet and dangerous spots on the road. Headlights also help other drivers see you better.

Don’t drive through standing water. Just six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your car. Standing water can also mask issues below the water’s surface. Remember: turn around, don’t drown.

Slow your speed. While state police work closely with the Virginia Department of Transportation to identify problem areas on Virginia’s highways during a storm, drivers should still drive for conditions.

Don’t tailgate. Allowing plenty of space between you and the car in front of you gives you more distance to stop on slick or wet road surfaces.

Buckle up. Most crashes that occur during inclement weather are caused by cars sliding off the road or other vehicles. Wearing your seat belt protects you from suffering serious injury in a crash.

Put down your phone. Driving in heavy rain requires a driver’s full uninterrupted attention.

Check your vehicle. Make sure your car is in good working order for the conditions. Fill up the tank in advance. Check windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid, tire tread, battery life, etc.

Pack an emergency kit. Don’t leave home without bottled water, a snack, a cell phone charger and a flashlight.

For the latest in road conditions and updates, call 511 on a cell phone, download the app or visit the VDOT traffic information website at www.511virginia.org.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.